What is Reflexology

Reflexology, also called Medical Reflexology, Zone Therapy, Vacuflex, and Vita Flex, is an alternative and complementary medicine technique that involves the stimulation of reflexes, or meridians of the body, by applying pressure mainly to specific parts of the feet, but it may also involve the hands and ears, in order to bring about beneficial changes in other parts of the body. The particular reflexes targeted by a Reflexology treatment depend on the ailments or conditions suffered by the person being treated.

According to William Fitzgerald

“Reflexology is the application of specific pressures to reflex points in the hands and feet.”

Such reflex stimulation is believed to stimulate the nerves connected to various parts of the body, whilst also relieving stress and tension. As a result of these effects, Reflexology undoubtedly promotes relaxation. However, advocates of Reflexology make a range of other nebulous claims about the of this therapy. The relief of stress and tension and aiding relaxation are the main undisputed benefits of Reflexology.

Some medical studies have indicated that more than 75% of all health issues are linked in some way to tension and stress. Stress can cause a great deal of physical and mental pain and suffering, as well as contributing to making symptoms of other diseases or conditions much worse.

Our modern lifestyles commonly include such stress causing factors as coping with traffic jams, working increasingly long hours, increasing costs of living, increasing financial problems, rising crime rates, and so on. Such factors can not cause a great deal stress, they also do nothing to help relieve it.

Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique, and is used to reduce stress and tension.

Some research indicates that Reflexology can provide some benefits to a patients health or wellbeing, even when they are suffering from chronic medical conditions. Reflexology practice is particularly widespread throughout Asia, where foot Reflexology is most popular. However, Reflexology is also gaining popularity in the “Western world”.

Many people are skeptical about the claims made by advocates of Reflexology. However, there seems to be no shortage of support for Reflexology and other alternative and complementary medicine techniques, and their practice is spreading throughout the world. Even if the skeptics are correct in their counter claims as to the effectiveness of this therapy, Reflexology is still a useful relaxing massage and stress reducing therapy.

Please Note:

Reflexology is an alternative and complementary medicine technique.

If you desire Reflexology therapy, then only use properly trained, licensed, and accredited Reflexologists.

Reflexology advocates make a number of nebulous and unproven claims about the benefits of the treatment. Believe these at your peril.

Reflexology is NOT a technique that is recognized by main-stream medicine (i.e. so-called “Western Medicine”).

Reflexologists are NOT recognized medical practitioners (in so-called “Western Medicine”), and therefore they are NOT allowed to diagnose ailments or treat disease. Reflexology is NOT a substitute for a main-stream medical treatment (with “Western Medicine”), and should only be considered as complementary to a main-stream medical treatment.

If you are suffering from a serious or potentially life-threatening condition and you rely solely on Reflexology for your treatment, then you definitely face the risk of your condition becoming worse as a result of you not seeking proper treatment.